Prince Harry is facing growing personal and professional isolation in California, as the once high-profile royal contends with the collapse of his leadership role in a major charity, strained family ties, and a diminishing public presence. The Duke of Sussex's departure from Sentebale, the Africa-based organization he co-founded in memory of his mother, comes as friends and insiders paint a picture of a man increasingly marginalized by both Hollywood and the monarchy.
"Harry is utterly and heartbroken about how his life is panning out. He just doesn't have enough to fill his days. He's woefully under-employed," a courtier told RadarOnline.com. "Meghan is very busy at the moment with her shows, lifestyle brand and podcasts and Harry, by stark contrast, is a like lonely soul hanging onto the coattails of his wife."
The timing of Harry's departure from Sentebale has further fueled concern over his direction. "He is going to be devastated at what has happened to Sentebale. He poured his heart and soul into that. All he really has now is Invictus," said a former colleague involved in his earlier charity work in the U.K.
The Daily Beast reported that Sophie Chandauka, Sentebale's chair, resigned amid alleged internal tensions. A Los Angeles-based television executive familiar with the couple described Harry's position bluntly: "This is a very transactional town and when you are perceived as toxic, people run a mile from you. His brand is a busted flush and no one wants to be associated with failure."
The executive added, "The clue is in the name: Prince Harry. It's increasingly sunk in now to the wider world that he is not a royal anymore, which leaves a question; what's the point?"
Sources close to Harry denied the characterization, saying he is "happy with his family" in Montecito, though others close to his old circle dispute that. "He has dozens of friends here who would love to hear from him, but he has completely severed contact with us," one longtime friend told The Daily Beast. "No-one ever hears from him."
The growing rift with the royal family was underscored recently when Harry was reportedly not informed in advance about King Charles' hospitalization. "He read about it in the media like everyone else," a friend of the King told the outlet. Ongoing legal battles over his U.K. security arrangements have further stymied any attempt at reconciliation.
Observers say Harry's public image has been further overshadowed by the meteoric rise of Meghan Markle's brand. "Meghan has found her presenting niche: it is high impact, profitable, and the perfect fit for a Californian princess," said historian Tess Dunlop. "Meghan's extraordinary professional resilience only serves to further highlight her Harry's current lost-boy status."
Dunlop noted that Harry's "princely offerings of polo fundraisers and diplomatic glad-handing already feel a little dated." She added, "When he married Meghan and left the British monarchy, he swapped royalty for celebrity - and stupidly believed a 'life of service' would prove a straightforward affair outside protective palace walls."
The breakdown in his social network has extended beyond old friends. The Sun recently reported that Harry's relationship with his cousin, Princess Eugenie, has cooled after she was photographed with journalist Piers Morgan, a long-time critic of Harry and Meghan. "A dim view was taken of this," a source told the tabloid.
